ABSTRACT
This chapter sets out the arguments for exploring partnership in relation to its practice in particular contexts. Partnership, it is contended, is conditioned by external, organisational and individual drivers, the interplay between which defines its purpose and nature. External drivers relate to the particular geographical, spatial, political, social, cultural and historical settings in which a partnership initiative operates; organisational drivers correspond to internal directives, capacity and relationships within a partner entity and individual drivers to the competencies and qualities of representatives acting on behalf of partner organisations. These drivers and the interaction between them are explored using examples from different partnership initiatives. The chapter concludes with a proposal for better integration of pragmatic and reflective drivers in collaborative initiatives in order to enhance their potential for transformation.
